History: This absolute nice piece of photographic history comes from the late 1850ies or early 1860ies just when Jamin was at the height of this work and Darlot joined his workshop as a partner. The lens is engraved with: 'JAMIN. DARLOT, Sr - PARIS'. Jamin was a highly respected manufacturer who was there from the begining of the photographic era untill the early 1860ies.

Condition: The brass looks really nice and authentic here, there is only light wear (it is unpolished). The rack & pinion mechanism is complete and amazingly still working. The lens predates the waterhouse stop (which was patented in 1858), but someone cut in a waterhouse slot into the barrell later on.

The most important thing: the glass is clean for the most part, and shows only minimal cleaning marks and some specs around the edges here and there. There is no haze, fungus or anything that would diminish the optical qualities (only the usuall cleaning marks).

The lens has a focal lenght of 220mm at a speed of F3.8. It will cover 4x5 and even 5x7 format at portrait distance with distinct petzval characteristic on the ground glass.


Lens comes with a flange and is ready to shoot!



height: 15cm
width: 7cm
weight: 750gr

Insured and tracked shipping cost:

Germany - 10 eur
EU* - 20 eur
Worldwide - 60 eur

*(the site offers only 2 shipping variations, DE and worldwide. buyers from EU please either contact me beforehand for a reduced EU cost, or after buying so i can send a refund over the difference)

Importent Note: This item comes from my private collection and is around 100 years old (antique). I try my best to describe all the faults and major damage which are relevant for the function of this item. But the actuall item can show signs of wear and also some cosmetic blemishes/damage which is not described in the auction text! When buying this item the buyer agrees to this terms.